how do you keep trout In A Garden Fish Pond?
The majority of fish ponds tend to contain one or more of the following popular fish species: Koi, goldfish, rudd, perch, roach and various carp species. This is because these breeds are capable of handling changing climactic conditions and are generally quite hardy and robust.
Whilst not the most popular choice of fish to keep for the majority of pond keepers it is definitely possible to successfully keep trout in a garden fish pond, providing that you stick to certain rules and ensure that their requirements are taken care of.
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Why Are Trout Different To Other Pond Fish?
The first thing to be aware of is that we are talking about keeping trout and not breeding them; in order to breed they require running water that is cool and extremely oxygen rich. This is not viable for the vast majority of pond situations.
Whilst not able to successfully spawn they will still exhibit breeding behavior by producing eggs, milt and in the case of male trout, competing for female attention during the spawning period (autumn to winter to spring).
A trout's diet needs to contain a higher percentage of oils than other species and the amount fed also needs to be higher.
In the remainder of this article I will outline the important differences that need to be taken into consideration along with the type of equipment I would advise you to consider purchasing, if you intend to keep these magnificent fish.
Ideal Pond Temperature Conditions
Unlike goldfish, Koi and many carp species that prefer water temperatures in the 20's trout favor cooler water that remains below 18 Celsius or 64 Farenheight. Remember that the colder the water the better it is at retaining oxygen.
Although trout are capable of existing in warmer water it is not ideal and can lead to sickness and possible death. The best location for a trout pond is in the more temperate areas such as the Northern US states, Canada and Northern Europe.
Trout Pond Considerations
Compared with other pond fish trout are high endurance athletes. These active creatures burn more calories and need to be fed more food. As a consequence they produce more metabolic waste requiring better pond filter and UV clarification equipment than would be needed in a pond containing less demanding varieties.
A powerful waterfall or stream inlet will need to be added to your system. This serves two purposes:
- Firstly the waterfall creates pond surface agitation which makes it easier for oxygen to mix with the pond water,
- Secondly the stream creates a current against which the trout can swim.
Ideally you will need to install an artificial means of blowing oxygenated air into the pond. A pond air pump should be used to add much needed oxygen to the stream or waterfall. The nitrifying bacteria living in the biofilter will also benefit significantly from the introduction of more oxygen.
Trout Pond Equipment Required
The good news is that you don't need specialized equipment, just a more powerful pump, filter, UV clarifier (UV sterilizer) and ideally an air pump.
Here is a worked example ...
Let's assume that you have a garden pond that measures 12' L x 10' W x 4' D (approx 3.7m x 3.1m x 1.2m). First of all calculate the approximate pond volume to specify the size of the equipment needed.
- Cu ft: 480 UK gallons
- UK Gallons: 3000
- US Gallons 3,750
- Litres: 13,600
If you are looking for an easy way to get these answers then check out my Excel Pond Calculators to take the math away.
Size of Biofilter Required ...
Ideally you need a Biological Pond Filter that can handle twice the volume of your pond i.e. 6,000 UK gallons, 7,000 US Gallons or 27,000 liters. This sounds excessive but you will be hard pushed to achieve a balanced, healthy and clean environment with a lower specification biofilter.
Size of UV Clarifier Needed
A UV system capable of handling the volume of your pond will suffice but a larger system will definitely work better. The increased metabolic waste from ravenous trout means that there is a higher concentration of nitrates in the water (plant and algae food). A UV Clarifier (UV Sterilizer) controls the build up of algae, which would otherwise turn your pond water green.
Pump Size required
You need a Pond Pump that is capable of pumping the actual volume of your pond at least once every hour to the top of the waterfall. If your waterfall is 5 feet high then ideally you need a pump that can circulate 3,000 UK gallons or 3,750 US gallons to a height of 5 feet, preferably 6 feet.
Please also remember to run the pump continuously. Electricity costs come into play here so always bear this in mind. A cheaper pump may cost you more in running costs in the long term.
You may not need an Air Pump if your pond water temperature remains below 16 Celsius (67 Fahrenheit). I would however advise you to add one as any pond will only benefit from the additional oxygenated water.
Stick to these rules and you will be able to maintain a healthy, clean pond that makes an ideal home for your trout. Try to choose the best pond keeping equipment that you can afford as it will last longer, be more reliable, incur reduced running costs and serve you well in the years ahead.
If you want to learn more about pond keeping and water gardening and how to avoid hassles and problems then I thoroughly recommend taking a look at the Complete Pond Solver book as it covers all aspects of water gardening and includes plenty of money saving tips and ideas.